U.S. patent number 4,934,638 [Application Number 07/341,739] was granted by the patent office on 1990-06-19 for collapsible tripod stool.
Invention is credited to Kevin R. Davis.
United States Patent |
4,934,638 |
Davis |
June 19, 1990 |
Collapsible tripod stool
Abstract
A collapsible tripod stool for bodily and tangible item support
is described. The triangularly shaped seat is supported by a
plurality of tubular legs, which may be fused, glued, or otherwise
connected to the corners of the seat. In one embodiment,
telescoping legs are comprised of upper, central, and lower
sections, the central leg section having two different diameters to
prevent section contact, and being cast as one piece to eliminate
welded surfaces. The central leg sections are attached to a
triangularly-shaped central pivot joint by threaded members to
prevent mobilization of the legs with respect to one another. The
telescoping legs are angled to maximize ground surface contact and
further stabilize the tripod stool of the present invention. In
another embodiment, tubular legs are comprised of upper and lower
sections which connect to one another and are coupled together by
an elastic cord within each leg. The leg sections are conveniently
detached at their approximate midpoints and folded together in a
compact bundle. A pivot joint comprises fabric straps secured to
each leg and centrally joined to one another.
Inventors: |
Davis; Kevin R. (Beverly Hills,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
26851606 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/341,739 |
Filed: |
April 21, 1989 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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154631 |
Feb 10, 1988 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/164; 108/118;
248/163.1; 248/166; 248/188.5; 248/188.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
4/286 (20130101); A47C 9/105 (20130101); F16M
11/34 (20130101); F16M 2200/028 (20130101); F16M
2200/065 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
9/00 (20060101); A47C 9/10 (20060101); F16M
11/32 (20060101); F16M 11/20 (20060101); F16M
011/32 () |
Field of
Search: |
;248/164,431,432,166,170,173,187,188.5,188.6,163.1,163.2,125,354.1,159
;108/118 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2102225 |
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Dec 1972 |
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DE |
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2163857 |
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Jun 1973 |
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DE |
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Primary Examiner: Ramirez; Ramon O.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor &
Zafman
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 07/154,631
filed Feb. 10, 1988, now abandoned.
Claims
I claim:
1. A collapsible tripod stool comprising:
a seat;
a plurality of tubular leg assemblies, each of said leg assemblies
having at least an upper and a lower leg section, said leg sections
including coupling means for coupling said leg sections together in
axial alignment, each of said leg assemblies further having leg
tensioning means for urging said leg sections together in a coupled
relationship; and
a central pivot joint joining said plurality of tubular leg
assemblies to one another and permitting simultaneous rotation of
each leg assembly about the pivot joint and rotation of each leg
assembly about its respective axis.
2. The tripod stool of claim 1 having a triangular seat and three
of said tubular leg assemblies.
3. The tripod stool of claim 1 wherein said coupling means
comprises a telescoping tubular member secured within one of said
leg sections and extending out of one end thereof, said tubular
member insertable into an end of another of said leg sections.
4. The tripod stool of claim 1 wherein said leg tensioning means
comprises an elastic cord secured at one end thereof to one of said
leg sections and at an opposite end thereof to another of said leg
sections.
5. The tripod stool of claim 1 wherein said central pivot joint
comprises a plurality of fabric straps, each of said fabric straps
secured to a respective one of said leg assemblies and having at
least one end joined to corresponding ends of the other of said
fabric straps.
6. The tripod stool of claim 1 further comprising a carrying strap
coupled to said central pivot joint.
7. The tripod stool of claim 1 further comprising strap means
coupled to said seat for securing said leg assemblies in a bundle
when in a collapsed configuration.
8. The tripod stool of claim 2 wherein said seat is constructed of
a fabric having a triaxial weave.
9. The tripod stool of claim 2 wherein said seat is constructed of
woven cord so as to have triaxial symmetry.
10. A collapsible tripod stool comprising:
a triangular seat;
three tubular leg assemblies, each having an upper leg section and
a lower leg section, each of said upper and lower leg sections
having respective upper and lower ends, said lower leg sections
having a telescoping tubular member extending from said upper end
thereof for insertion into said lower end of said upper leg section
so as to couple said upper and lower leg sections together in axial
alignment;
a seat suspension bracket attached to said upper end of each of
said upper leg sections, said bracket having a slot for receiving a
corner of said triangular seat;
a foot attached to said lower end of each of said lower leg
sections;
an elastic cord secured at one end thereof to said seat bracket and
at an opposite end to said foot, said elastic cord extending
through said upper and lower leg sections so as to urge said leg
sections together in a coupled relationship; an
a central pivot joint comprising three fabric straps, one secured
to each of said upper leg sections adjacent to said lower end
thereof and having at least one end joined to corresponding ends of
the other two of said three fabric straps.
11. The tripod stool of claim 10 further comprising a carrying
strap coupled to said central pivot joint.
12. The tripod stool of claim 10 further comprising strap means
coupled to said seat for securing said leg assemblies in a bundle
when in a collapsed configuration.
13. The tripod stool of claim 10, wherein said sea is constructed
of a fabric having a triaxial weave.
14. The tripod stool of claim 10 wherein said seat is constructed
of woven cord so as to have triaxial symmetry.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of portable seats and support
members.
2. BACKGROUND ART
It has often been desired to provide a portable seat or support
member which may be conveniently transported from place to place
and used on a variety of terrains and conditions. It is also
desired to provide a portable seat which may be reduced to a small
size for ease of carrying and storage. In the prior art, tripod
stools have been utilized to provide portable seating. Among the
primary disadvantages of prior art tripod stools is instability,
which results from slipping of the support members against the
ground, and unstable movement of the legs with respect to one
another. Another disadvantage of the typical support apparatus is
the danger of corrosion or fatigue of welded surfaces, thereby
increasing the potential for unintended collapse of the support
members. Still another problem is undesirable mobilization of the
seat or support surface with respect to the other members.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
tripod stool in which movement of the legs with respect to one
another is minimized.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a tripod
stool in which movement of the legs with respect to the ground is
reduced.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
tripod stool with a stable seat or support surface with respect to
the other members.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide
telescoping stool legs in which welded surfaces are minimized.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
tripod stool with telescoping legs which are easily and quickly
adjustable.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
tripod stool which is easily manufactured and aesthetically
pleasing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A collapsible tripod support stool is described. A triangularly
shaped seat is supported by a plurality of tubular legs, which may
be fused, glued, or otherwise connected to the corners of the
seat.
In one embodiment, telescoping leg assemblies are comprised of
upper, central, and lower sections, the central leg section having
a dual diameter configuration. The upper and lower leg sections are
of two diameters so as to nest within one another when collapsed
and result in a more compact storage configuration of the stool of
the present invention. The central leg section is formed as a
single piece to eliminate welded surfaces. The leg assemblies are
attached to a triangularly-shaped central pivot joint by threaded
members to provide stability of the legs and to prevent
mobilization of the legs with respect to one another. The feet of
the leg assemblies are angled to maximize ground surface contact
and to further stabilize the tripod stool of the present
invention.
In another embodiment, tubular leg assemblies are comprised of
upper and lower sections which connect to one another and are
coupled together by an elastic cord within each leg. The leg
sections are conveniently detached at their approximate midpoints
and folded together in a compact bundle. A pivot joint comprises
fabric straps secured to each leg and centrally joined to one
another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective of the telescoping tripod stool.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the central pivot joint with one
leg in cross section.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross section view of a telescoping
leg.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the upper leg section across
line 4--4 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the central telescoping leg
section encircling the upper telescoping leg section, across line
5--5 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the central telescoping leg
section, across line 6--6 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the central telescoping leg
section encircling the lower telescoping leg section, across line
7--7 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the lower telescoping leg
section across line 8--8 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a further embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is yet a further embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of one of the leg assemblies of
the stool of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 illustrates detachment and folding of one of the leg
assemblies.
FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the central pivot joint taken across
line 14--14 in FIG. 11.
FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the central pivot joint taken
across line 15--15 in FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 illustrates attachment of an elastic securing strap to the
stool of FIG. 11.
FIG. 17 illustrates the stool of FIG. 11 in its fully collapsed
configuration.
FIG. 18 is a detailed view of an alternative foot for the leg
assemblies of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a top plan view of an alternate style of seat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
A collapsible tripod stool is described. In the following
description, numerous specific details, such as materials and
shapes, are described in order to provide a more thorough
understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious to one
skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well known
features have not been described in detail in order not to
unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a tripod stool
in which a nylon seat is coupled to three telescoping leg
assemblies. Each leg assembly comprises a central section with a
first end having a small diameter and a second end having a large
diameter. A bottom leg section having a small diameter is
telescopically mounted to the central section. A top leg section
having a large diameter is also telescopically mounted to the
central leg section. In the collapsed (storage) state, the bottom
leg section is nested within the top leg section and both are
within the central leg section, providing approximately a 3 to 1
reduction advantage. The top and bottom leg sections are "keyed" to
the central leg section by means of a slot and ridge
configuration.
The three leg assemblies are coupled together at a central pivot
joint which prevents motion of the telescoping legs with respect to
one another. Each of the central leg sections includes a threaded
extending member which is mated to a tapped hole in the central
pivot. When extended, the top and bottom leg sections are held in
place with built in spring clips. One or both of the top and bottom
sections may include a plurality of openings for selectably
adjusting the length of the leg assemblies. The keyed construction
ensures that the built in spring clips are registered with the
openings. The bottom leg section includes a "foot" which is angled
to maximize ground surface contact and minimize slippage of the
legs against the ground.
A first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG.
1. In accordance with the invention, the stool is comprised of a
triangular seat 1, a central pivot joint 4, and a plurality of
telescoping legs 3.
The seat 1 may be constructed in any shape or size. In the present
invention the seat 1 has a triangular configuration and is
stabilized by virtue of telescoping legs joined to the seat corners
2. The seat may be constructed of nylon, cloth, canvas, or any
material capable of supporting a weight, such as body weight. One
advantage of using nylon is that it is a synthetic material having
the desirable properties of great strength and elasticity, and is
inexpensive to produce. Thus, a seat for a multiplicity of purposes
may be provided.
The seat is mounted to a plurality of telescoping legs. Referring
now to FIG. 3, the legs may be fixed to the seat corner by use of
cylindrical nylon or plastic caps 2. The caps 2 may be integrally
molded with the seat 1 or, in the alternative, may be fabricated to
fit within the inside top of the legs 3. Additionally, the seat 1
may be fused or glued at the seat corners to the tops of the legs,
as shown in FIG. 3.
Still referring to FIG. 3, the telescoping legs 3 of the present
invention are described. The legs are comprised of three sections,
upper 7, central 8, and lower 9. In the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the leg sections are comprised of aluminium, due
to its superior weight/strength characteristics, ease of
fabrication and formation of the final product, and high resistance
to atmospheric corrosion. Aluminium requires no protective coating
to prevent corrosion, thereby providing a long lasting stool
especially suited for outdoor use.
The central telescoping leg section 8 has a unique "dual diameter"
construction. A small diameter region communicates with the lower
telescoping leg section 9, and a large diameter region communicates
with the upper leg section 7. The central leg section 8 is cast as
a single piece in the preferred embodiment, thereby eliminating the
necessity for weld connections between leg portions, which can
reduce the strength of the legs, and increase the potential of
fatigue and stress concentrations.
The top and bottom leg sections are of different diameters for
communication with the two diameters of the central leg section.
When the top and bottom leg sections are pushed into the central
section for storage, the smaller lower section nests within the
larger top section. In this manner, a greater reduction in size may
be achieved. Although the top leg section is of a larger diameter
than the lower leg section in the preferred embodiment, the lower
section may be of a larger diameter if desired.
Each of the top and bottom leg sections include a plurality of
openings formed therein so that the length of the leg assembly may
be selectably controlled. The central section has first and second
spring clips 10 mounted at the upper and lower ends respectively.
The spring clips 10 include extensions or pins 11 for engaging the
openings of the upper and lower leg sections and holding them in
place. The spring clips are biased so as to urge the extensions
into the openings and thereby prevent movement of the upper and
lower sections with respect to the central section when in use. The
central section also includes openings formed therein for accepting
the extensions 11 of the spring clips. As shown in FIG. 3, the
spring clip extensions extend through both the opening in the
central section and an opening in the upper or lower sections.
The upper and lower sections are keyed to the central section to
register the plurality of openings with the spring clip extensions.
Thus, there is no need to rotate the sections with respect to each
other to search for the openings before operation. As seen in FIG.
4 and 8, the upper and lower sections include slots 12 formed along
the length thereof. These slots 12 only extend partially along the
length of the sections so as to maximize strength. The inner
diameter of the central section includes a ridge for engaging the
slots of the upper and lower sections. The upper and lower sections
cannot be inserted into the central section unless the slots are
registered with the ridge of the central section.
The three leg assemblies are joined together with a central pivot
joint to stabilize the leg assemblies and prevent their movement
with respect to each other. Referring to FIG. 2, the central pivot
joint 4 is a triangular nut having tapped holes formed therein. The
central leg sections each have threaded extended member 6 for
engagement with the tapped openings 5 of the pivot joint 4. By
utilizing a tapped hole and threaded members, the leg assemblies
can rotate with respect to the pivot joint, allowing the leg
assemblies to be "folded up" so that all three leg assemblies are
parallel for storage.
FIG. 4-8 depict cross sectional views of the three leg sections
both individually and in conjunction with other leg sections. As
shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the upper leg section 7 has leg hole 12 for
engagement with pin 11, and is encircled by the central leg section
8 at the lowermost portion. FIG. 6 depicts the central leg section
with the screw threaded member 6 for engagement with the central
pivot joint. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lower leg
section 9 also has leg hole 12 for similar engagement with pin 11,
and is encircled by the central leg section 8 at the uppermost
portion.
FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 9, the "keying" of the upper and lower leg sections to the
central leg section is eliminated by virtue of cross sectional
modifications. In this configuration, the leg sections are provided
with triangular cross sections, such that the upper, central and
lower leg sections are necessarily aligned with respect to one
another. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that a
plurality of cross sections may be provided, such as semicircular,
and square. The upper and lower leg sections may still be slidably
disposed within the central leg section, however the slot 12 and
ridge 15 elements are necessarily absent. In this alternate
embodiment, a nonequilateral triangular cross section is provided
so that telescoping of the leg section may only be accomplished
with a single orientation of the sections with respect to each
other.
FIG. 10 describes yet another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 10, the upper and lower leg sections are provided
with the same triangular cross sections described with regard to
FIG. 9. Yet in this embodiment the central leg section is designed
with a circular cross section throughout the shaft, and with
triangular ends. In this manner, the upper and lower leg sections
may align with the ends of the central leg section, as discussed
above. Such reference to a triangular cross section is only for
purposes of example. Of course, semi-circular, square, rectangular
and other configurations which result in a single orientation of
the leg sections may also be provided.
Ground surface contact of the telescoping legs is maximized by
forming the foot of the lower leg section 13 at an angle. This
unique feature maximizes the surface area of contact of the foot
with the ground and thereby reduces the chance of movement of the
legs with respect to the ground. The angled foot 13 has a lower leg
cap 14 for protection from scraping, wear, and corrosion, and
additionally for aesthetic pleasure.
The telescoping tripod stool of the above-described embodiments
overcomes the stability problems of the prior art stools by virtue
of the central pivot joint and associated screw threaded members
for attaching the legs to the joint. Additionally, spring-snap
devices and pins lock the telescoping legs in place after
adjustment for particular leg height. The lower leg sections are
angled to maximize ground surface contact. Unintended collapse of
the stool is prevented by designing the central leg section with
two different diameters yet cast as a single piece, thereby
eliminating fatigue and stress concentrations of welded
surface.
Referring now to FIGS. 11-18, yet another embodiment of the present
invention will be described. As best seen in FIG. 11, a triangular
seat 20 is suspended from leg assemblies 22 by brackets 26 which
will be more fully described below. The three leg assemblies 22 are
joined to a central pivot joint 24 at the approximate centers of
each leg. As in previously described embodiments, a triangular
configuration is preferred since it affords inherent stability when
the stool is its fully erected configuration as shown in FIG. 11
and yet has minimal volume and weight when collapsed into a compact
bundled configuration for storage or carrying as shown in FIG. 17.
This embodiment offers particular advantages in terms of ease of
manufacture and cost.
Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the details of leg assemblies 22
will be described. Each of leg assemblies 22 comprises an upper
section 22a and a lower section 22b. The leg assemblies are
tubular, preferably with a circular cross section, although other
cross sections may be employed as previously discussed. A short
length of tubing 28 is secured to lower leg section 22b at the
upper end thereof. Tube section 28 projects out of the upper end of
lower leg section 22b such that it may be inserted within the lower
end of upper leg section 22a. The outer diameter of tube section 28
is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of leg section 22a such
that it may be inserted therein easily without binding. Tube
section 28 is secured to lower leg section 22b by an adhesive or
other suitable means, such as welding or mechanical fasteners.
Alternatively, the projecting portion of tube section 28 may be
fashioned as an integral part of lower leg section 22b, however,
this is less desirable due to the added costs of machining the
lower leg sections.
The upper end of upper leg section 22a is preferably cut at an
angle to receive bracket 26 as shown in FIG. 12. Bracket 26
includes a cylindrical portion 30 which fits snugly within tubular
leg section 22a. Bracket 26 is preferably made of a plastic
material such that it may be press fitted within leg section 22a
and be securely retained therein without need for an adhesive or
other fastening means. Of course, bracket 26 may be more
permanently secured to leg section 22a if desired. In like fashion,
foot 32 is secured to the lower end of lower leg section 22b. Foot
32 includes cylindrical portion 34 which fits snugly within tubular
section 22b.
Leg sections 22a and 22b are retained in a coupled configuration by
cord 36. Cord 36 is preferably made of an elastic cord material of
the type commonly known as "bungee" cord. Bracket 26 includes a tab
member 38 through which cord 36 is passed and secured by means of
ferrule 42. Likewise, foot 32 includes tab 40 through which the
other end of cord 36 is passed and secured in a similar manner.
Cord 36 is of a length such that it is under slight tension when
leg sections 22a and 22b are joined as shown in FIG. 12. However,
the tension is not so great such that undue force is required to
separate leg sections 22a and 22b from one another in the manner
illustrated in FIG. 13. Leg sections 22a and 22b are preferably
approximately equal in length so that leg section 22 can be
collapsed to approximately half of its fully erect length. As shown
in FIG. 13, lower leg section 22b may be withdrawn axially from
upper leg section 22a and then the two sections may be folded
together in a compact collapsed configuration.
As in the previously described embodiments, leg sections 22a and
22b are preferably constructed of aluminum. However, other metals,
plastics or composites having comparable weight/strength
characteristics may be employed as a matter of design choice.
Although two leg sections 22a and 22b have been described, a
greater number of leg sections may be employed if desired, either
to permit a correspondingly higher seat level or to reduce the
length of the legs in their fully collapsed configuration.
Bracket 26 includes slot 44 which is used to secure seat 20.
Triangular seat 20 includes a tab of material 46 at each corner
thereof. Tab 46 is passed through slot 44 of bracket 26 and secured
to the material of seat 20 by suitable means, such as stitching 48.
Alternatively, tab 46 may be secured with a snap type or other
detachable fastener to facilitate the removal of seat 20 from leg
assemblies 22, if desired.
As previously discussed in connection with the other embodiments,
seat 20 may be constructed of nylon, canvas or any other suitable
fabric material capable of supporting the weight of a person. While
a commonly available fabric material may be employed, it is
preferred that seat 20 be made of a material having a triaxial
weave, wherein the fibers of the fabric are oriented at 60.degree.
intervals. Such a material offers the advantage of uniform tension
between each of the leg attachments when under load. Consequently,
leg assemblies 22 maintain an equiangular orientation as seat 20 is
loaded. With a conventionally woven fabric material, it is not
possible to achieve uniform tension between the legs. As a result,
there is a greater tendency for the legs to assume a
non-equiangular orientation which, in extreme cases, may result in
unintended collapse of the stool as it is loaded.
As an alternative to making seat 20 of a closely woven fabric with
a triaxial weave, an open mesh construction having triaxial
symmetry may be employed as illustrated in FIG. 19. Seat 20' is
woven of a high-strength cord in macrame fashion and is secured to
bracket 26 at each leg assembly. In one configuration, seat 20'
comprises a perimeter cord 70, a plurality of radial cords 72
secured to a central ring 74, and a plurality of spaced apart cords
76 joining cords 70 and 72. It will be apparent that many other
specific weaving patterns may be employed to construct seat 20' and
that such patterns may be varied to provide an aesthetically
pleasing appearance in addition to structural integrity. A seat 20'
of macrame construction is not, of course, limited to the
embodiment of FIG. 11, but may be employed with the embodiment of
FIG. 1 as well.
Referring now to FIG. 14, details of central pivot joint 24 are
illustrated. A short length of fabric such as nylon strapping
material 50 is secured around each of upper leg sections 22a
adjacent to the lower end thereof. Strapping 50 is secured to leg
sections 22a by an adhesive or by other suitable means such as
mechanical fasteners. The free ends of each of straps 50 are
centrally joined by the assembly comprising bolt 52, washers 54 and
nut 56. Other types of fasteners, such as a grommet or a rivet may
be used to join straps 50, or they may be joined by means such as
stitching. The material of which straps 50 are made is sufficiently
flexible so that leg assemblies 22 may pivot freely about one
another but is sufficiently strong to maintain the integrity of
joint 24 when the stool is fully loaded.
It is to be noted that this construction of central pivot joint 24
allows each of leg assemblies 22 to pivot slightly about its
longitudinal axis due to the inherent flexibility of straps 50.
This additional degree of freedom is particularly advantageous when
placing the stool on uneven terrain since it allows the legs to
assume relative orientations to more evenly distribute the loading
of seat 20. Furthermore, such axial rotation of leg assemblies 22
assist in collapsing the stool to a compact configuration for
storage or carrying.
A carrying strap 58 is preferably secured to central pivot joint 24
as shown in FIG. 15. Carrying strap 58 provides a convenient means
for carrying the stool when it is in its fully collapsed
configuration as shown in FIG. 17. In addition, an elastic strap 60
is preferably secured to one side edge of seat 20 as shown in FIG.
16. Elastic strap 60 provides a convenient means for securing the
collapsed leg assemblies 22 of the stool in a compact bundle as
shown in FIG. 17.
As shown in FIG. 12, foot 32 may be a simple end plug for lower leg
section 22b. Alternatively, a pivoting foot assembly may be
employed as shown in FIG. 18. A foot pad 62 is privotally disposed
within socket 64 which fits within the end of lower leg section 22b
in a manner similar to foot 32. A pivoting foot assembly such as
shown in FIG. 18 offers somewhat greater stability, especially when
the stool is used on uneven terrain.
It will be recognized that the above described invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit
or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is
understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing
illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended
claims
* * * * *